US opposes China’s new fishing rules in East Sea

The US State Department has opposed China’s imposition of new fishing
restrictions in the East Sea , saying the move is provocative and
potentially dangerous.

At a daily press conference
at the State Department’s headquarters on January 9, spokesperson Jen
Psaki said the passing of these restrictions by China ’s Hainan
province on other countries’ fishing activities in disputed portions of
the East Sea is a “provocative and potentially dangerous act”.

She said the Chinese side failed to offer any explanation or basis
under international law for its extensive maritime claims.

The restrictions, which were adopted by Hainan legislature last
November and took effect on January 1, 2014, require foreign fishing
boats to seek approval from the provincial authorities before operating
in the East Sea – which China claims its territory.

New regulations might include a fine of up to 82,600 USD for violated
vessels. The information is being verified by the Philippine Government,
spokesman of the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs Raul Hernandez
said on January 8.-VNA